Old cars can download new tricks.
In the near future, subscription services and pay-walled options could be the norm in automotive ownership. Automakers are discovering new ways to package and sell their cars thanks to the rapid adoption of connected software technology. However, there are some downsides to such a model. There are questions and concerns about who is the owner of what. But such services could also allow older vehicles to be downloaded new tricks, like those from BMW.
This is what the company did in its recent summer. tech update Customers can purchase Remote Engine Start feature from BMW’s ConnectDrive Store if their vehicle does not have it. Anybody who has a compatible vehicle that is not equipped with this function can buy it through BMW’s ConnectedDrive Store.
This system is available in the 2019 model year. It allows owners to precondition their car using their smartphone and the My BMW App. They can then adjust the interior temperature without having to face the elements. You can also activate it by pressing the lock button on the key fob. However, the system will automatically turn off after 15 minutes to conserve fuel and battery life.
BMW’s Remote Engine Startup feature-on-demand is much more straightforward than other post-sale products, as it is a one-time sale. Automakers are starting to recognize the potential profit (profits) of selling services and features well after the vehicle has left the dealership lot. This includes subscriptions to certain features.
Mercedes had announced earlier this year that it would charge German owners of EQS $575 per year for access to the model’s 10-degree rear-steering function. This is despite the fact that the hardware is already installed on the vehicle. The subscription paywall has blocked it. BMW tried to charge $80 per year for Apple CarPlay. However the company pulled back in late 2019. It’s evident that subscriptions and post-sale product offerings have not been abandoned by BMW.